We now have earthly bodies, but we will soon have glorified bodies that won't stay in any tomb anywhere. Sure, as described in Scripture for Christians. This change won't be a mere upgrade of our current physical form as we understand upgrades, but we each will be transformed into something perfectly fit for eternal life with God. Meditate upon..
1 Cor. 15:12-20
1 Corinthians 15:35–41
1 Corinthians 15:50–58
John 10:17, 18
The Trinity was involved in raising up Jesus, yes, Christ himself though dead was also involved in rasing himself out of that borrowed tomb.
"The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." Rom. 4:23-25 niv
"..for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God." Rom. 4:24-25 nlt
And now because Christ lives, we too shall live with Him (John 14:19).
Jesus said, "Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live." Jn. 14:19 nlt
"The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance.." And why? It was for a good purpose! So that the people of Israel would repent and be washed from all their sins.
"The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven." Acts 5:30-31 nlt
We have a living Lord (1 Cor. 15:1–19). Jesus died on that cross, but game-changer: he is now fully alive, and the gospel message is 100% true ..for you too! It's to be believed by all people. Witnesses who saw Jesus have passed along their testimony from generation to generation down to us. It's simple. When you repent and trust in Christ, you receive free forgiveness and resurrection life. Yes, abundant and eternal life ; death can hold you no more. We pray and God's will.. will come to pass with nothing in the way.
“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life." Jn. 5:24
We have a living hope who lives inside of us (20–49). We believers hope for what? To see Him face to face at the time of the Rapture. Man, I think God wants every generation of believers to look for Christ in the rapture.. in their own lifetime. We just need to live ready for that. Jesus Christ will come again in the air, and the dead in Christ will be raised up. We who walk with Jesus here will go up too. We each will have glorified bodies like Christ’s body. It's true, it's for you.. too!
"See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure." 1 John 3:1–3 nlt
Keep in mind that resurrection is not a refurbishment or reconstruction. God does not reassemble all the old parts of the original body and put some glue and duct tape on it. That which has turned to dust doesn't get thrown into a mold with strong resin.
Like flowers and fruit from the planted seed, the glorified body will be related to the earlier “planted” body but will be completely different from it too.
We have a living dynamic due to this vertical relationship (50–58). You and I in Jesus have no reason to ever get down or give up because Jesus didn't. He has conquered sin, Satan, this world system, all demons and death! If you really believe in the resurrection and soon return of Jesus, verse 58 will characterize your life. The best is yet to come, so let us daily give Him our best now. You might not like your current job at all, but you have a job, and besides.. that employment isn't forever.
Q: How did the disciples feel on Good Friday? Down, cuz they didn't know it how good it would be for them. How did they feel on Sunday? Stunned.
It's so hard when a loved one dies. How have you felt when a loved one passed away? There is such a shock. There's disbelief..sometimes followed by denial or even anger. There's a deep DEEP sadness inside that sets in like a fog. There's an intense morning and then the greaving process starts.
You realize that this person who was so much a part of your life is now gone -- is no longer going to be there for you. You can no longer call them or have a simple visit. We don't have conversations with them. You can't hear from them again. Your world, as you know it, has suddenly changed overnight.
It's crushing.. of hopes and cheer. The disciples felt these types of emotions 2000 years ago, when Jesus Christ their Savior passed away before a watching crowd. Their beloved Lord and Master was murdered in cold blood before their very eyes and the flawed delegated authorities were not at all doing the right thing about it. There seemed to be nothing good at all about life here. Yes, they saw it happen and they watched that Roman soldier take his spear and thrust it up into Jesus' side, then out came blood and water, indicating a complete heart failure. But Jesus' heart didn't fail forever -- he didn't let himself stay dead. He told them, He tried to warn them about this tough situation.The Father, the Son, and The Holy Spirit were very much involved in the Physical Resurrection of Jesus. That was one great miracle of Jesus. He raised himself from the dead ..while dead. Yes, while he was room-temperature Jesus raised himself up from the dead never to die again.
"But God released him (Jesus) from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip." Acts 2:24
“God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this." v. 32
"So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” v. 36
Check out that context too. The Father raised up Jesus. Jesus raised up Jesus--Himself! Remember His words...
"No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” John 10:18 nlt
And the Spirit had a part in this miracle too! (Last week I wrote about this!)
"The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." Romans 8:11 nlt
All three persons of the Godhead (of the Trinity) are active. They always function in complete unity and harmony.
Remember when Jesus physically raised Lazarus.. well, he died again (Jn. 11:1-45), and Jairus' daughter..and she grew up and died again (Mark 5: 21–24, 35–43), and that young man in Nain.. who also died again (Lk. 7:11-17). These were types of what was to come.
Because of Christ's Cross and resurrection event, we have a new people on the earth now - the Church (not a building with a Pope or Cardinal). We have a new Book to daily read, the Bible (with then New Testament now). We have a new and living hope inside (cuz Jesus is coming again). We have a new day to worship on! (The Jews had long worshipped on the Sabbath), but we celebrate our living Lord Jesus on the Lord's day. The first day, Sunday and we worship all week long as well!
The witness of the Church and the daily walk of those in the Church are bound together in the resurrection of Christ, so we need to understand this well.
Back in 1874, a Baptist named Robert Lowry penned one of the most stirring hymns to ever exalt Jesus Christ in regard to His resurrection — "Low in the Grave He Lay."
Notice how these verses contrast the impotence of death, of pain, and of suffering ..with the resurrection power of God!:
Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior;
Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!
Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!
Death cannot keep its Prey, Jesus my Savior;
He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!
Death, is man's most dreaded enemy, is powerless to reign over the Lord of life. And that truth has significance for you and me, here and now in the twenty-first century. You can see it in the most exciting and rousing part of Lowry's hymn, the refrain that punctuates each stanza:
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
1. Your new Body Will Pretty Much Be Modeled After Christ’s Resurrected Body
It's true. The clearest picture of our glorified bodies is found in the resurrected body of Jesus. After His resurrection, Jesus had a body that could still be touched (John 20:27), be recognized (Luke 24:31), and could eat (Luke 24:42–43). Yet, it was no longer bound by earthly limitations, such as walls or distance (John 20:19; Luke 24:36). The Apostle Paul affirms in Philippians 3:21 that Jesus “will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body.”
2. Imperishable and Immortal
Yes, Paul’s description in 1 Corinthians 15:42–53 contrasts our current bodies with our future glorified bodies:
- Our present bodies are perishable, subject to decay and death.
- Our glorified bodies will be imperishable and incorruptible, always free from sickness, disease, malady, aging, or any physical weakness.
- They will no longer be bound by time or the effects of sin, living eternally with the Father in the victory of Christ.
3. Free from Shame and Sin
In Genesis 3:6–7, shame entered this world when Adam and Eve each chose to sin, resulting in their recognition of their nakedness. In heaven, we will no longer carry the shame, or guilt, or any stain of sin. Instead, we will be clothed in the pure righteousness of Christ, symbolized by white garments in Revelation 3:4–5, 18. These garments signify total purity, holiness, and victory over sin.
4. Empowered and Glorious
Unlike our earthly bodies, which are weak and subject to the natural laws of this world, our glorified bodies will be powerful (recognizable) and spiritual. Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:43–44 highlights this fantastic transformation:
- Sown in weakness, raised in power.
- Sown as a natural body, raised as a spiritual body. This does not mean we lose our physicality but that our bodies will be empowered by the Spirit, no longer limited by physical or spiritual weakness.
5. Designed for Eternity
Just as our earthly bodies are suited for life here on earth, our glorified bodies will be perfectly designed for life up in heaven in God’s eternal Kingdom. Yes indeed, they will be physical yet spiritual, and capable of enjoying God’s creation like never before -- in its fullness. Jesus demonstrated this in His post-resurrection appearances, where He could interact with the physical world and transcend its solid limitations.
6. Basking in God’s Glory
Our glorified bodies will reflect the glory of God. Remember how in Matthew 17:2–3, Moses and Elijah both appeared in radiant form during the Transfiguration up on the mountain top, more than hinting at the glorified state of believers in heaven. We will live in the presence of God too, enjoying eternal satisfying fellowship with Him and with one another.
7. No Hunger, Thirst, or Pain
The Revelation speaks to the complete satisfaction, comfort and restoration that await us:
- Revelation 7:16 promises no hunger or thirst, and no scorching heat.
- Revelation 21:4 assures us that God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.
This Hope Is Rooted In Christ Alone, And Is Nowhere Else To Be Found
Simple as that. It's time for us to go tell, and to emphasize that the promise of glorified bodies gives us hope and lasting comfort in the face of earthly struggles here.
Let's live thankfully and express this gratitude. This transformation is made possible through Christ’s Cross at Calvary time and His victory over sin and death. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:57, "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Our glorified bodies will represent the culmination of God’s redemptive work according to his earlier promises, enabling us to worship on-fire for Him. Yes fully enjoying eternal communion with Him, and live in unending joy.
You know in Philadelphia, you can go find Benjamin Franklin’s tombstone in Christ Church, Philadelphia. Have you ever been there to read it? Here's what it says: “The body of Franklin, printer, like the cover of an old book, its contents torn out and stripped of its lettering and gilding, lies here food for worms. But the work shall not be lost, for it will appear once more in a new and more elegant edition, revised and corrected by the Author.”
Ever been to that magnificent mausoleum that holds the remains of Queen Victoria and those of her royal husband? What did you read there? Here is what is inscribed with English words: “Here at last I will rest with thee, and with thee in Christ I shall also rise again.”
Satan at Easter time tries his best to cast doubt on the empty tomb. Remember when the TV had a show about how they found the bones of Jesus. It turned out to be a total fraud and they had to yank it from the screen never to play it again.
Skeptics, both ancient and modern, have argued against the truth of the resurrection, scoffing at the idea that the body, which disintegrates in the grave, or which is virtually destroyed in a fire, or at the bottom of the sea, or in some other way is decaying.. that a body could ever rise from the dead.
Allow me to borrow from another preacher you've undoubtedly thought about: “There is a preacher of the old school, but he speaks as boldly as ever. He is not popular, though the world is his perish; and he travels every part of the globe and speaks in every language. He visits the poor, he calls on the rich, he preaches to people of every religion and people of no religion, and the subject of his sermon is always exactly the same. He is an eloquent preacher, often stirring feelings which no other preacher could, and bringing tears to eyes that never weep. His arguments none are able to refute, nor is there any heart that has remained unmoved by the force of his appeals. He shatters life with his message. Most people hate this preacher, everyone fears him, his name is death. Every tombstone is his pulpit, every newspaper prints his text, and one day every one of us will be his message.”
Thomas Gray said, “The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power, and all that beauty and all that wealth e’er gave await alike the inevitable hour. The paths of glory lead but to the grave.”
Graves await people. That’s how it is for all of humanity, but for the Christian, we kind of look forward to death cuz we'll see Jesus' face.
Resurrection and the transformation of believers -- that's rooted in key biblical texts. Let's unpack and expound upon some of the critical elements:
The Imminent Transformation:
The repeated phrase, "We will be changed," underscores the certainty and immediacy of this event. It's not a distant possibility but an imminent reality that could occur at any moment without prior signs or warnings.
This transformation is described as instantaneous, happening "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye" (1 Corinthians 15:52). The use of terms like "nanoseconds" and "the time it takes light to pass through the eye" emphasizes the rapid, miraculous nature of this divine act.
Necessity of Change:
The passage highlights the necessity of transformation because the current, mortal, and corruptible human body is unfit for the imperishable and immortal realm of heaven.
This change is likened to putting on new garments, as seen in the word "clothed." This metaphor is profound: just as we discard old, worn-out clothes for new ones, so too will believers shed their mortal bodies for glorified, eternal ones.
Scriptural Foundations:
1 Corinthians 15: This chapter emphasizes the resurrection of the body and the victory over death, a central hope for believers
See 2 Corinthians 5: Paul describes our earthly bodies as "tents," temporary and fragile, which will be replaced by eternal "buildings" from God.
John 14: Jesus reassures His disciples of a prepared place and His return to bring them to Himself. This introduces the promise of the rapture, distinct from judgment.
See 1 Thessalonians 4: This passage details the order and nature of the rapture, emphasizing the reunion of the living and the dead in Christ.
The Rapture as a "Signless Event":
The concept of imminency is central to the rapture. No prophetic event must precede it, making it a constant anticipation for believers.
The event is described as joyous and triumphant, focusing solely on the transformation and gathering of believers, with no mention of judgment in the related texts.
Triumph Over Death:
Death is portrayed as the final enemy, defeated and "swallowed up in victory" (Isaiah 25:8; 1 Corinthians 15:54). The imagery of swallowing conveys total eradication, leaving no trace.
The taunting of death in Hosea 13:14 and 1 Corinthians 15:55 reflects the ultimate victory believers share through Christ. Death, which once wielded power through its "sting" (sin), is rendered powerless by Christ's resurrection.
Resurrection and Victory:
The resurrection reverses the effects of death, restoring life and eliminating its impact entirely.
The text captures the hope of glorified bodies—free from sin, decay, and weakness—designed for eternal life in God's presence.
Practical Implications:
This promise offers profound comfort and encouragement, especially in the face of suffering, mortality, and loss.
It calls believers to live with anticipation, faith, and readiness, knowing that their ultimate hope lies in this divine transformation.
Death is called an enemy. Sure, it is not welcomed. It's cuz of sin. At the resurrection, death will be conquered. It is totally gone for God's children. Death dies in the resurrection.
"For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" 1 Corinthians 15:53-55
The transformation of believers at the Rapture of the Church is not merely some ho-hum event of theological curiosity but it's connected to the cornerstone of our Christian hope.
It affirms the faithfulness of God to His promises, the victory of Christ over death, and the eternal destiny awaiting His people. This imminent, miraculous event reminds us to live with expectancy, striving for holiness and trust in God's perfect plan.
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”
Christ's physical resurrection and the future bodily resurrection of all believers will be exciting.
The Question of Life After Death
The question, "If a man dies, shall he live again?" (Job 14:14) captures humanity’s deep existential inquiry. Unlike Socrates, who expressed uncertainty about life after death, the Bible offers a definitive and hope-filled answer: life does not end at the grave. This assurance stems from the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which serves as the cornerstone of Christian faith. Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 that death is "swallowed up in victory," affirming the believer's triumph over death through Christ.
The Physical Resurrection: Essential to Christianity
Norman Geisler highlights the significance of the physical resurrection, asserting that Christ rose in the same physical body, transformed and glorified. This is not merely a spiritual resurrection; it involves the body being raised imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). For Christians, this means:
Continuity: Our resurrection bodies will be identical to our earthly ones but transformed, free from sin, decay, and mortality.
Hope in Christ: Without the resurrection, Paul argues in 1 Corinthians 15:17-19, faith is futile, and humanity remains in sin. The resurrection validates Christ’s victory over sin and death.
To deny the resurrection undermines the gospel’s very foundation. It is the capstone that supports doctrines like salvation, eternal life, and ultimate justice.
Alternative Views vs. Biblical Truth
Throughout history, various philosophies and religions have attempted to answer the question of life after death:
Materialism: Death is the cessation of existence.
Reincarnation: Souls return repeatedly in different forms.
Platonism: The soul escapes the body’s prison.
Buddhism: Physical existence is an illusion, with ultimate survival as cosmic consciousness.
In contrast, the Bible teaches a unique and glorious hope: believers will be resurrected into new, glorified bodies like Christ’s (Philippians 3:21). This future transformation surpasses anything these alternative views offer.
Jesus Christ: The Resurrection and the Life
Jesus redefined the concept of resurrection by claiming, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). His resurrection was not only a miraculous event but also a model for the resurrection of believers:
He rose in a physical, touchable body (Luke 24:39).
He ate with His disciples (Luke 24:42-43), proving He was not a phantom.
His resurrected body was glorified, able to transcend time and space.
This promise extends to all who believe in Him: “Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:26). Resurrection is no longer an abstract event but a personal hope tied to Christ Himself.
Be Ready to Refute False Theories
The resurrection has faced numerous skeptical theories:
Swoon Theory: Jesus only fainted and later revived. This is implausible, given the Roman expertise in execution and the severe physical trauma Jesus endured.
Stolen Body Theory: Disciples supposedly stole Jesus’ body. Yet, the disciples’ willingness to die for their testimony of the resurrection defies this notion.
Hallucination Theory: Claims of seeing Jesus were mere visions. This theory falters as over 500 people witnessed Christ alive, many of whom were skeptical at first (1 Corinthians 15:6).
Mass Grave Theory: Jesus wasn’t buried properly. However, the sealed and guarded tomb, coupled with the inability of authorities to produce His body, discredits this idea.
Each theory collapses under scrutiny, affirming the historical and spiritual reality of Christ’s resurrection.
Resurrection Power for Daily Life
The resurrection is not merely a future hope but a present reality:
Spiritual New Birth: Through Christ’s resurrection, believers experience spiritual regeneration (Romans 6:4). We are no longer bound by sin but walk in the “newness of life.”
Daily Victory: Believer, you can enjoy resurrection power while witnessing for Christ. This will sustain believers in overcoming challenges, enabling us to live victoriously by faith (Ephesians 1:19-20).
Christian Perspective on Death and What's Beyond
For Christians, death is not an end but a transition:
Immediate Presence with Christ: At death, the believer’s spirit goes to be with Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:8).
Glorified Body in the Future: At Christ’s return, our physical bodies will be raised and transformed (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).
This understanding reshapes the believer’s attitude toward death:
Hopeful Anticipation: Death becomes a gateway to eternal joy and fellowship with God.
Comfort in Grief: While Christians mourn, they do so with hope, assured of a future reunion with loved ones in Christ.
The Centrality of the Physical Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus Christ revolutionized the meaning of life, death, and eternity. It offers:
You Can Enjoy An Assurance of Salvation: Christ’s victory over sin secures eternal life for believers.
Strength for Today: Resurrection power enables a victorious Christian life.
Hope for Tomorrow: The promise of glorified bodies transforms our outlook on death.
Paul’s words in Philippians 3:10 express the heart of this doctrine: “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection.” This is the believer’s ultimate hope and joy—a life lived in the reality of Christ’s resurrection, both now and forever.
I have friends who really love miracles (and some people drive far here and there to go see faith healers allegedly do those). Jesus saving people is the miracle that I really like these days. He will do this for you here and now so what are you waiting for (click)?
The greatest miracle of Jesus was to raise himself from the dead.. while dead and buried. Yes, the Father, Son, and Spirit are one God and were all involved in Christ's bodily resurrection.
-Deuteronomy 6:4: States that the three persons of the Trinity are one God
-John 10:30 and 33: Explain that the Father and the Son are one
-1 Corinthians 3:16: Shows that the Father and the Spirit are one
-Romans 8:9: Makes clear that the Son and the Spirit are one
-John 14:16, 18, and 23: Demonstrate that the Father, Son, and Spirit are one even in what they do.
Q: So what does the resurrection of Jesus Christ mean to you personally?
Practical Principles
-The resurrection of Jesus assures me I am accepted by God. Romans 4:45 says, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”
-The resurrection of Jesus assures me I have all the power I need to live the Christian life. Romans 8:11 says, “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
-The resurrection of Jesus assures me that I too will live forever in Heaven. Death died when Christ rose. Because Jesus rose, I too will rise. Because Jesus died, I will never die.
-The resurrection of Jesus assures me that I will receive a new body just like His. Colossians 3:4 assures us with these words. “When Christ, who is our life, appears, you shall be like Him.”
-Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we will have resurrected relationships. “Since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.” (1 Thessalonians 4:14).
-Because Jesus died and rose again from the dead, we need to tell others. Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone..”
Relevant Reminders
-God the Father allowed it. The incarnation was for the purpose of the atonement. The birth of Jesus was so there would be the death of Jesus.
-It was a revolutionary thought to say to a first-century Jew that God was their Father. But that’s how Jesus taught us to think of Him.
-All humans will be resurected, get new bodies and continue to exist for eternity (in heaven or hell). But because Jesus died and rose, there are so many blessings available to us believers: We are made acceptable and righteous before God the Father. God gives us the power to live the Christian life by His Spirit. We enjoy an assurance inside--we know we will go to Heaven. After our own death or the Rapture, we know will be reunited with believers that we care about. We know we will have new bodies given to us too.
-Between earth and heaven Enoch and Elijah both recieved their new glorified bodies because this flesh and blood can exist in God's heaven (a type of the Rapture to come). They were the only two people God took up to heaven without their physically dying. Genesis 5:24 says, “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” Second Kings 2:11 tells of the earth-to-heaven translation of Elijah: “As they [Elijah and Elisha] were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.” Who even was Enoch? He was an OT believer, a good example. Let's all do like he did. Let's all seek the Lord being men and women who walk close and faithfully with God and seek to please Him with our lives.
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